Skip to main content
    In Context

    What are the fruits of the Spirit — In Biblical Context

    The fruits of the Spirit are nine qualities — love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance — produced in believers by the Holy Spirit.

    Quick Answer

    The fruits of the Spirit are nine qualities — love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance — produced in believers by the Holy Spirit.

    "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV)

    The Biblical Context

    Paul lists the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23 as evidence of a life led by the Holy Spirit, contrasting them with the 'works of the flesh.' Unlike spiritual gifts which are distributed individually, the fruit of the Spirit represents character qualities that should mark every believer's life. These are not produced by human effort alone but grow as believers abide in Christ and yield to the Spirit's work. Jesus used the metaphor of a vine and branches to teach that fruitfulness comes from remaining connected to Him.

    Where It Sits in Scripture

    The core passage for this question, Galatians 5:22-23, sits inside Galatians 5. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.

    "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."
    Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV)

    Supporting Passages

    John 15:5
    "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing."

    Explore this question from another angle

    Related Reading

    Continue your study with related content from across our library: